Soaring 100m terraces covered by an almost transparent facade is the design of a new resort in Dubai. New York-based studio Diller Scofidio Renfro has unveiled visualisations of the Therme Dubai facility located on an artificial island in Zabeel Park. Hanging botanical gardens, thermal pools and relaxation areas are expected to attract 1.7 million visitors a year, and the water needed to feed the pools will circulate in a closed loop.
The sky-high oasis is an investment by global thermal pool developer Therme Group. Dubai Therme is set to expand the city’s leisure offerings with pools located on rising terraces. The entire development will be built in the middle of an island on a park-like pond. It is worth mentioning that the Zabeel area is, in a way, the ‘gateway’ to Dubai’s business centre. An important element of this ‘gateway’ is the One Za’beel skyscraper with the world’s longest link, which you can read about HERE. Within the park you can still find the largest frame in the world, the Dubai Frame, and a theme park.
Hanging gardens in the desert
Each terrace will be a separate themed island. For this reason, the vegetation is to correspond to the specific themes of the leisure zones. The levels will be divided into indoor and outdoor areas, from which guests will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s business centre. The facility will offer saunas, hot pools, mineral baths and other spa treatments. Interestingly, in the evenings, the hanging botanical gardens will be transformed into a space to host various events.
The Therme Dubai project is not only about impressive luxury, but also a range of innovative technologies. Around 90% of the water in the thermal pools is to be reused, creating a closed circuit. The architects also claim that the air conditioning and ventilation will be powered by green energy sources. Although it is not specified which sources they are referring to, in terms of energy the building is expected to meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and performance. According to the DS R studio, the environmental impact of the development will be minimal.
Ambitious plans
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and last for two years. The developer envisages Therme Dubai as a step into a new era of urban leisure. Looking at the ambitious visuals, it is fair to say that there has never been such a resort before. However, it will only be possible to judge how the architects will manage the futuristic volume and transparent façade once construction begins. It must also be remembered that this unique development is to be built in the desert, on an island created in the middle of an artificial pond, which adds to the difficulties of realising the project.
Visualisation source: Diller Scofidio Renfro, Bucharest Studio
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